4: Fear: Mike Tyson - The Early Years
In the history of Boxing there are a handful of fighters who stand out from the rest; for reasons both good and bad, these men and women are talked about, argued over, and imitated more than anyone else.
This week's episode focuses on one such fighter - "Iron" Mike Tyson.
I've been fascinated by "Kid Dynamite" since I was a child myself, not just because he was the Champ, but the mental side of his Boxing style felt unique to me. His use of Intimidation, and the Fear he engendered in his opponents was legendary. It was only after his career finished, and he became more open about his own emotions that I learned of the extent of his own fear; both of his opponents, but also of himself.
In the episode I'm focusing on the early years of an epic life. We look at the New York he grew up in of the 1960's and 70's, and how he became the personification of pure Mayhem.
Mike began fighting under Bobby Stewart, but it was after meeting the legendary Cus D'Amato that his career was mapped out. Cus' "Peek-A-Boo" style of fighting was perfect for the young Tyson to latch onto and make his own; cutting through the ranks of armatures and professional alike. We finish with him emulating Cus' former protege Floyd Patterson as the youngest Heavyweight Champion in Boxing History.
As always give me a shout on Twitter @openguardpod, or email openguardpodcast@gmail.com with your favourite fights and fighters and we'll try to cover them in future episodes.
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